Amhal keeps a weather eye out for game and danger, his shortbow carried in one hand and his other hand framing his eyes to scan the horizon without the sun's rays glaring his vision. His shield lies across his back and his scabbarded sword at his hip.
He keeps his one gold piece well wrapped in his bedroll, amongst his few meagre possessions, and, wary of his "fortune", from time to time looks across Finnin's position.
Drusilla is walking with crossbow ready. Should an enmey pop up she can fire off a shot.
The group sets out under the mid-spring sun, its light filtering through a thin veil of clouds as the Keep slowly vanishes behind them. The first day of travel is steady. The road runs straight, flanked by forest to the north and the swamplands away to the south. The air carries a crisp freshness. Now and then, a bird's caw or the crackle of unseen movement in the underbrush breaks the silence.
Their new companion, Finnin, walks near the rear of the group, his gaunt frame leaning with the weight of his pack. His movements are subtle, almost too quiet, and his sunken, shadowed eyes dart toward the deeper thickets along the roadside with an unnerving focus. Occasionally, he pulls a dried strip of unknown meat from his pouch, chewing with a slow smirk that makes his yellowed teeth gleam. When he speaks, his voice carries a greasy, whispery tone.
At one point, he nods southward toward the distant marshes. "Down there," he mutters, motioning vaguely with his chin. "Lizardmen. Nasty lot. Got a big mound deep in the marches. They drum before they hunt ya." His voice trails off, and he gnaws at his jerky, eyes glinting as if amused by his own tale.
By the second morning, the road bends north, taking the group deeper into the forest. The trees here are taller, more ancient, their thick, gnarled roots spilling over the edges of the path like writhing snakes.
When they reach the third caravan attack site, the scene strikes a somber chord. Graves, hastily dug and shallow, line the roadside - marked by piles of stones or simple mounds of turned earth. Faded scraps of cloth flutter weakly in the breeze, snagged on broken wagon wheels and splintered boards. Finnin stops briefly, crouching to inspect a snapped spear shaft. "They didn't give 'em time to pray," he says, his voice void of sympathy, "or much else." His smirk lingers as he straightens, glancing at the graves as if they’ve whispered something to him.
Finally, with just an hour or two of sunlight left, the group emerges from the tangled forest. The ravine lies to the west of the road - a sharp and sudden cut in the earth, as though the ground itself had been torn apart. Its steep walls of dark rock rise nearly a hundred feet, streaked with shadow and tufts of thorny bushes.
The floor of the ravine sprawls before them, littered with rubble, boulders, and deadwood. Patches of bleached bone gleam faintly in the dim light, some arranged in disconcerting piles that hint at past violence. Bare, skeletal trees reach skyward like clawing hands. One hosts a single vulture that stares down at the group with unblinking hunger.
As they pause to take in the scene, Finnin sneers. "This is it. Caves of Chaos. Cozy, heh?" His words drip with sarcasm, but his gaze lingers on the dark cave mouths scattered across the ravine walls, their jagged openings like gaping maws. A few ravens rise from the shadows ahead, their cries magnified by the steep walls. Finnin chuckles darkly. "Ravens love it here... must be a good sign, eh?"
The air feels heavier, oppressive and still, as though the ravine itself were holding its breath. Whatever lies ahead waits in silence, shrouded in shadows as the last rays of sunlight wither away.
Ralina expresses her knowledge of the lizardmen and their threat by tossing a soft curse in the general direction of the swamp followed by a prayer for their fallen comrades. "They don't always drum before they attack." She adds quietly.
Near the second caravan site, she points out to Finnin and Amhal the odd and unsettling tracks they'd found after their previous visit. "I've no desire to meet whatever those tracks belong to so best we camp a little further on."
On the second day, when they reach the third ambush site, she merely nods at Finnin's comment and then proceeds to offer quick and heartfelt prayer to Petra to shield the fallen souls and guide them along their journey into the afterlife. Upon each marker she places one of the little symbols of her faith she'd crafted and attempted to sell at the Keep before being called to a higher purpose. "Perhaps, here they will do a little good and keep these folk safe in death where they were not in life."
Looking up and down the rubble filled ravine with it scattered dark openings, Ralina couldn't help but feel the place was judging her with the same cold calculation she was judging it. Her hand tightens around the handle of her warhammer as she whispers another quick prayer to her goddess.
"Chaos is right." She says to her companions, looking along the cavern filled ravine. She tries to pick out any opening that looks different or more unusual to the others. Or one that shows signs of being constructed or carved out of the stone of the cliff. "Best we pick one of them openings, hopefully unoccupied, to camp in for the night. I don't wish to be caught down here in the open once darkness is upon us."
Drusilla giggles."Yes the beast was great and if it is any way related to the scaled devils we call Lizard men, then may the Gods watch over who ever must face such a beast" The light and musical tones danced to those who hear her ears.
" I saw we run should we see them, and if the drums do come we try to either entrap and strike the lizards or we run" Drusilla says again before she then looks at the others.
"So are we too explore these Caverns clear some monsters and then head back, and refocus on the bandits? or?"
Amhal brows furrow, both in a squint to make out “caves” and “openings” and in a general surmise of the scene. Bones. Vultures. Skeletal trees. This isn’t exactly a promising venue for adventure. Still, best to put a brave face on it.
At Ralina’s suggestion, Amhal nods.
”Perhaps one of the lower, closer cave mouths - we don’t want to pass by an inhabited lair and be trapped between a bunch of possibly dangerous caverns. Drusilla, Finnin - can either of you locate any tracks or other signs that some of there caves are more or less inhabited?”
Regnar looks to the cavern filled ravines with a practical setup in mind. They will be in peril no doubt, but it wouldn't be an adventure otherwise. With a smile for what is to come, he chooses one of the smallest caves but tall enough for everyone to walk comfortably, on ground level or so low everyone can jump out of it. When he founds one he says to his fellow companions:
That one looks promising, lets find out how's inside of it. Griping his axe tightly he moves toward the cave mouth and waits for his companions to ready them selfs
Finnin nods at Amhal, but does not stray too far from the group. He does a few circuits, sticking only to the area surrounding the ravine.
When he returns, he dusts off his hands and mutters, "Mostly small humanoid footprints - too small for humans. They all go in an’ outta the ravine. Found a partial set o’ much bigger prints, but they’re old, near worn away." He tilts his head, smirkin’. "Somethin’ big came through here once, but whatever it was, it’s long gone."
When he notices the dwarf moving away on his own to one of the cave mouths, he shakes his head - "Well, if there’s somethin’ watchin’ from in there, they sure as hell noticed him… Count me outta scoutin’ that one."
"Means that they will be expecting us?" Drusilla says as she looks to the others.
"Does anyone have an Idea for how to proceed. I know a light source is one. You humans can not see in the dark. Our advisories probably can. So light is a weapon. They have home field advantage. And if they are humanoid probably are ready for a siege." She looks to Regnar.
"How do dwarves deal with cleaning out vermin who are wholed up in your halls. Or are all the things my elders told me about dwarves and goblins wrong?' Drusilla asks curious if not a bit teasing.
Ralina pulls a torch from her pack, but doesn't light it straight off. Instead she holds torch and tinderbox ready as they quietly move toward the cave selected by Regnar.
"I'd say Regnar and Drusilla move close enough to see inside. The rest of us, just ten paces behind. Everyone stay low and stick to cover is possible." Ralina whispers to her companions before pausing in thought. "I'd avoid the most direct route, since it's most likely to be trapped." She adds as an afterthought before continuing. "If dwarf or spot something, then we light a couple of torches and toss them in right as we charge. If there's nothing there, then we move in cautiously and light the torches once inside." She looks around to see if anyone has other options. "It's possible they are ready for us and hiding, so stay alert even if nothing is seen right away."
Her face suddenly crinkles into a thoughtful frown. She pulls out her lantern and mirror. "I suppose another option would be to light my lantern and try to use the mirror to reflect light into the cave to see if anything is lurking there." She offers a shrug. "Probably more risky as it exposes us a bit farther out from the cave and to others who might be watching from other openings." She adds glancing back along the walls of the ravine and its numerous dark openings.
Amhal watches Regnar’s movement with trepidation, and tries to keep an eye on Finnin as well. He nods to the thief’s report, mulling the information over in his mind.
Possibly multiple different species. And I only speak…Common….
The warrior nods again as Ralina outlines a few plans.
”Well, I don’t feel we can keep the element of surprise for long, and I’m not too keen on rushing into enemy territory. So…I like the idea of casting light inside to at least illuminate the way for the three of us without extra…vision to see at least the entrance. Then Reg and Dru can go and scout in further…”
”Also, if any of these…denizens like the dark, we might make them feel uncomfortable with our light. Speaking of which, the light of the day is fading, so we best make firm our plans…”
Regnar starts to approach cautiously to the chosen cave, going to one side of the cave lip avoiding to be exposed directly on the cave opening. Seeing that his companions were not ready he took a few steps to the side and back where he exchange a few words with Drusilla and Ralina while waiting for the rest of his companions to be ready.
Ok, maybe we can go in divided in two fronts. I go ahead of one with more 2 from one side of the entrance, and Drusilla goes in front from the other side with the rest. We peek inside at the same time. Now we need a plan for what to do next... if we see nothing we throw a lit torch inside and move in cautiously... if we see creatures uhm... throw the lit torch and move in ready for the kill?
looking at Amhal, Regnar adds Amhal I have a #@%# to ask you. Since I go in front will you lend me your shield? I would hate to lend mine so I understand if you say no and go on.
While the others move into position on either side of the cave entrance, Ralina uses the last light of the day to examine the ground for any signs of recent footprints near her position about fifteen feet off the left side of the entrance. She waves her hand holding the unlit torch at Finnin to have him do the same.
With Ahmal accepting her idea of lighting up the cave with the lantern, she pulls her mirror from her pack and begins to ready the lamp wishing it was one of the nicer bullseye versions. While adjusting the wick, another quick idea strikes her. Shifting her position slightly she spreads her heavy cloak wide around the side of the lamp facing away from the cave.
"Might help shade the light from the rest of the area just a little." She says at Finnin's questioning look and handing the nimble fingered thief her mirror.
"When the others are ready I'll light the lamp. You angle the mirror so the light shines directly in the entrance."
Kneeling with her cloak spread around the lamp like a mother dragon guarding her brood and tinder at hand, Ralina nods to those outside the entrance signaling she was ready.
"Sounds good. I'll hand over my crossbow and quiver off so someone else has it ready to fire it. I have my Mace. But also no Shield." She says looking at the others as she then looks at the heat sources.
" Should the fighting begin try the mirror trick and aim it at the enemy. Or light something alight that burns fast. It may help disorient anything light sensitive. Regnar and I may get hit as well if we are facing you. I wish I had more practical magic to aid us, hopefully soon I'll have some coin for a new one." She whispers as she hands off her crossbow and bolts to someone more capable to fire it when her and Regnar fall back if pressed. She then pulls out her mace and takes a couple of practice swings.
Amhal frowns at the dwarf’s request. Such a favor could be the difference between life…and death. But the big warrior shrugs, and unclipping the shield from his back hands it to Regnar.
”As soon as we find another…” he says, the sentence hanging meaningfully…
Now bereft of protection, Amhal grips his sword in one hand, and is ready with an unlit torch in his other, now held like a club at his side.
Not to worry Amhal, it just as long as I'm in front, and y' can ask it back anytime y' want. - with a nod to Amhal he adds - and thank for y' generosity.
Dobin will take the crossbow and can hand off his shield to Dru if she wants it. He will then get into position to be able to fire into the cavern opening...hopefully not hitting any of his companions.
Drusilla will take the offered shield. As she does she hands off her own 10 foot pole and crossbow. She will assume the opposite side of the Entrance from Regnar. She nods to the dwarf and then to the others showing she is ready.
The lantern light reflects off the damp stone, illuminating the cave’s entrance. What begins as a rough, natural tunnel quickly transitions into worked stone. The passage extends about ten feet before widening slightly for another ten feet, leading to what appears to be an intersection.
As the light sweeps across the space, Drusilla and Regnar pick up a faint but unmistakable sound from further inside - high-pitched, erratic squealing or screeching, perhaps words or screaming. The echoes distort the noise, making it difficult to pinpoint the source or nature of the disturbance.
The way ahead remains shrouded in darkness beyond the lantern's reach.
Actions?
I did not see where Dobin was located, but if no one else is moving forward, he will move slowly into the opening of the cave then to the south passage.
Amhal nods to Regnar in encouragement, and then lights his torch using Ralina’s tinderbox. Once his torch is lit, he will head in. Sword in hand, he will indicate for Finnin and Dobin to follow.
I did not see where Dobin was located, but if no one else is moving forward, he will move slowly into the opening of the cave then to the south passage.
LOL...thanks..ok, so he will move in behind the others as they enter the cavern...
Regnar moves forward, always vigilant but steadily, first 10feet waits for Drusilla. If he doesn't see anything, when the rest joins, he will move more 10feet and signals Ralina to use the mirror.
Ralina moves cautiously behind to the others up to the edge of the opening. She holds the lantern a bit off to the side so that Finnin can continue to use the mirror to reflect the light deeper into the cavern.
As the group moves cautiously into the cave, Regnar takes the lead, advancing ten feet and pausing to let Drusilla catch up. As he advances a further ten feet, the intersection ahead now comes into sharper relief, splitting into three paths: one to the southwest, another to the east, and a third heading directly south.
Just as the others begin to follow, Regnar catches a sudden rise in noise from the southwest passage. The distant clamor becomes clearer - sharp voices chattering in Goblin, their words punctuated by urgency. One phrase rings out distinctly: "BREE-YARK!"
At nearly the same moment, Drusilla hears a similar commotion from the tunnel to the east. The same phrase, shouted with the same frantic energy, echoes through the stone halls.
To the south, the passage narrows and terminates abruptly, leaving no path forward.
What do you do?
Goblins from west. Get back 10 feet. Can't get surronded. Prepare to fight
Regnar retreats at his companions pace, he keeps in front of them and at Drussila's side all the time, facing west from where the Goblins would come
" I believe they are on our heels" Dru says having followed Regnar and readying herself for a volley.
Amhal’s blood runs cold, the familiar tension felt before battle coursing along his spine.
”Get back.” he says in a small voice. He begins to head back to the entrance, his voice growing louder.
”Get back, get back! We’ll be trapped if we tarry.” he insists, falling back to the entry with his torch. ”They know we are here. “Bree Yark” must mean “Intruders!” or similar.”
With his borrowed crossbow at the ready, Dobin quickly back out of the cave and takes up a position to fire at whatever might be chasing them out.
"Aye, they know we're here alright. Sounds more like they're suprised and frightened." Ralina growls with a smile. "It's time to show the beasts we mean business. We retreat now into the night, they'll be upon us from every side in seconds. Best to press forward."
She waves to the thief holding her mirror and steps up against the rock nook next to Drusilla. She quickly makes sure the wick on the lantern is set to burn as bright as possible.
"Finnin, get over here and angle the mirror so it beams the light right down that east tunnel past Regnar. Keep the monsters blinded. Drusilla, Dobin fire at anything that moves."
Her hand grips her warhammer tightly, ready to strike at anything that might come charging out of the shadows of the second tunnel.
Rengar instints tell him to move back but he won't leave a companion unprotected and takes position in front of her - Ralina don't play in an intersection where they can surround us.
"No way Lady" - he grumbles, staying outside.
Turn 3:
Regnar goes back to the front, now standing in front of Ralina - the both can hear the excited squealing coming from both East and West, as before.
Actions from the others on Exploration Turn 3?
Turn 3
Amhal curse under his breath.
”Dobin, stay here with Finnin, and by all the gods keep an eye out on the ravine…”
With that, Amhal ducks into the cave, reflexively lowering his head. He comes to Drusilla’s position. The warrior calls out to the plucky cleric.
”Ralina - at least fall back to here - you stay there and there’s one, two, three -
four ways you can be flanked. Here there are only two, and one at least, if it remains ours, is a route to relative safety…”
With an incredulous look in her eyes Ralina bites back a scathing remark as she sees her companions already falling back out of the cave. For a moment her gaze looks down the eastern tunnel. Her knuckles go white as they grip her warhammer. For a moment it is certain she will simply charge, into the darkness with lantern and hammer. But after a few further heartbeats, she turns and falls back to the entrance, saying not a word.
When she reaches Finnin, she hooks her hammer on her belt and snatches the mirror from his hands.
Drusilla will regroup with the others shield up as she backs ready to swing her mace if need be.
Regnar falls back defensibly to the side of Drusilla ready to fight.
Dobin will continue to watch to ensure nothing sneaks up on them. He watches the ravine for anyone trying to sneak up on them.
The party lingers at the cave entrance, their movements hesitant as they shift back and forth without settling on a clear course. Some take cover behind rocky outcroppings, while others hover near the threshold, their eyes scanning the dim interior.
From within the cave, a steady murmur has begun - low, rhythmic chittering that sounds increasingly like orders rather than mere idle noise. It’s as though the denizens inside are slowly organizing, coordinating their movements in the shadows.
Time drags on, and the uneasy silence outside the cave is filled with the faint echoes of these internal sounds. The creatures seem to be biding their time, while the party remains uncertain and divided.
Amhal peers in towards the edge of his torchlight, first to the left and then back toward Regnar, before finally settling on the middle corridor. He neither moves in nor retreats, staying by Drusilla’s side.
”Regnar - what do you hear? Can you understand any of what they are jabbering about? Drusilla - can you understand any to know…what they are?”